Practically fun.
The Nissan 200SX SE-R is so much fun to
drive that it's easy to overlook that it's also roomy, practical, quiet
and comfortable. The sportiest model of Nissan's 200SX coupes, the SE-R
competes in a world of cars that need to be sporty yet economical, fun
to drive yet practical. The SE-R walks this tightrope with a balance an
enthusiast on a budget can love.
The 200SX base and SE models are essentially the coupe versions of the
Nissan Sentra compact sedan. This makes them nice, affordable, practical,
reliable coupes with sporty overtones. Mixing the -R into this recipe adds
excitement in the form of a bigger, more powerful engine, better brakes
and some important tweaks to the suspension and driveline.
Walkaround
The 200SX doesn't break any new ground in the styling studio, and its
conservative lines attract little attention on the road. However, it is
an attractive car. And one could argue that the 200SX is in keeping with
the trend away from curvy, rounded lines to flat expanses of sheet metal
accented with sharp creases.
Three models are available for 1997: The base 200SX, the SE and the
SE-R. The three look identical at first glance, right down to their rear
spoilers. But closer inspection of the SE-R reveals subtle side sill extensions,
along with its unique five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and SE-R badge on
the trunk lid.
As noted, the 200SX and 200SX SE models have a lot in common with the
Sentra compact sedan. That includes the 115-horsepower 1.6-liter dual overhead-cam
16-valve four-cylinder engine, which delivers an EPA-estimated 39 mpg on
the highway, 30 mpg in the city with the standard five-speed gearbox, and
36/27 with the optional four-speed automatic.
The faster SE-R comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter dohc engine. The
2.0-liter engine produces 140 horsepower and a respectable 132 pounds-feet
of torque, the force that helps the SE-R get a jump on other cars at stoplights.
Quick getaways are tempered with a drop in fuel economy to 23/31 city/highway
with either transmission. That's a far cry from the SE's miserly 39 mpg,
but it's a relatively small price for the improved performance--almost
a full second quicker from 0 to 60 mph. The SE-R, with its bigger engine,
is not sold in states that mandate California emissions standards.
Kicking tires, or at least examining them, can tell a lot about the
sporting intentions of a car. The inexpensive 200SX base model comes with
inexpensive 13-inch tires and steel wheels, while the well-appointed SE
runs on competent 14-inch all-season tires mounted on attractive six-spoke
alloy wheels. The sporty SE-R goes for handling performance with low-profile
195/55VR-15 Goodyear Eagle high-performance all-season radials mounted
on way-cool five-spoke 15-inch alloys.
Other signs of the SE-R's sports car leanings: A thicker front anti-roll
bar reduces body roll in corners. A viscous limited-slip differential reduces
front wheelspin by transferring power to the tire with the best traction.
Four-wheel disc brakes improve braking performance over the standard disc/drum
brakes. An antilock braking system is a $499 option for the SE and SE-R.
The 200SX base model and the SE, which starts at close to $16,000, including
destination charges, compete with the Honda Civic, Saturn Coupe, Mitsubishi
Mirage and VW Golf. With its higher level of performance and $17,220 pricetag,
the 200SX SE-R model also takes on the Acura Integra, Hyundai Tiburon,
VW GTI and Chrysler Neons.
The 200SX SE-R we tested was loaded with everything on Nissan's short
option list except the $800 automatic transmission: ABS and a $450 power
glass moonroof with sunshade brought the total with destination charges
to $18,167. That puts it under most of its similarly equipped competition.
A stylish Tiburon can be picked up for less, but its owner will sacrifice
a significant amount of interior roominess.
Interior Features
The base model has a revised interior this year. The SE is still more
comfortable, though, because it comes with nicer seats, air conditioning,
a four-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, power windows, power locks and cruise
control. And it looks better with fog lights and alloy wheels.
The SE-R takes the trappings of the SE and adds a nice leather-wrapped
steering wheel and shift knob. And its sporty owners can enjoy the convenience
of remote keyless entry.
It's easy to get in and out of the 200SX. This is partly due to the
headroom advantage it enjoys over other cars in its class, something taller
drivers should appreciate. The sporty seats are very comfortable, providing
better than average lateral support.
The instrument panel is straightforward, with a large tachometer and
gauges that are easy to read. The dash is attractive and functional, almost
like a German car with its straightforward approach. The heating and ventilation
knobs are easy to operate, and commuters will enjoy one of the best cup
holders in this class.
For those with friends and family, the 200SX offers roomier back seats
than most other cars in its class. The trunk doesn't hold as much as some,
but the 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down to offer a generous cargo
capacity. The trunk lid lifts from the top edge of the bumper, making it
easier to load groceries and other cargo.
Driving Impressions
This car is a willing and pleasant companion. The driver is seated comfortably
with an excellent view of the terrain ahead and no distracting squeaks
or rattles. The 200SX is stable at high speeds and offers predictable handling
in slippery conditions, inspiring confidence in the driver. Its rigid chassis
and well-tuned suspension help it corner better than the competition, yet
they do a superb job of damping jolts from potholes and rough roads.
The 200SX offers excellent transient response, maintaining its composure
in abrupt maneuvers. All of these traits help make it fun to drive on a
winding road. The SE-R has an edge over the SE and base model in the handling
department with its aggressive tires, thicker front anti-roll bar and limited-slip
differential.
That edge is broadened by the SE-R's more powerful 2.0-liter engine
that revs freely to 7100 rpm. This engine is silky smooth and works in
concert with a smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox for a great back road
driving experience. The SE-R's engine produces slightly more torque and
nearly the same horsepower as the smaller 1.8-liter engine in the $19,000
Acura Integra LS, and delivers excellent throttle response, particularly
in fifth gear. The limited-slip front differential puts the SE-R's power
to best use by limiting wheelspin when powering around a corner.
The 200SX SE-R more than holds its own on the race track. It scored
two class victories and finished second overall, with a member of the New
Car Test Drive test staff among its driving crew, at last year's Longest
Day 24-hour road race at the Nelson Ledges road course in Southington,
Ohio.
Lineup
Final Word
A compact sport coupe should be affordable, practical and fun to drive.
The term "fun to drive" can mean many things to many people,
but we feel one of the defining characteristics is handling.
It's fun to drive the 200SX SE-R because it can be hustled through a
corner with little fear. It provides good grip and, important, responds
predictably. One or two other cars in this class may offer quicker acceleration
and trendier styling, but the 200SX SE-R boasts more interior space, a
quieter cabin and very good handling. And, best of all, it costs less.
It's a great combination.
The SE model is affordable, practical and comfortable, but is short
on the power and suspension tweaks that make the SE-R so entertaining.
The basic 200SX is even more affordable, but is relatively spartan.
The real test for a compact sports coupe is whether it can keep its
owner smiling for several years. We think the SE-R's unique blend of virtues
will do just that.